Breathing Exercises / Pranayama

Cooling and Calming

The way we breath has a massive impact on how we feel. These two breathing exercises will both be able to be used specifically in the perimenopause classes, or anytime you want to use them.

I have included them both for slightly different reasons, but you can use whichever one works best for you, and change in between these breathing styles and your natural breath.

Ujjayi Breath

Learn one of the most common pranayama/ breath practices used in yoga. This breathing style can take a little while to master, but it is certainly worth the effort.

Once mastered, this slower, elongated breathing with an audible sound can be used to calm you off the mat, and to help you focus and maintain postures for longer on the mat.

Just remember - It is meant to be relaxing, don't take it too seriously and if at anytime it isn't feeling nice, go straight back to your natural breath.

BENEFITS FOR PERIMENOPAUSE:

  • Helps to focus the mind, which can sometimes be a challenge during Perimenopause

  • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, to calm you

Sheetai Breath

This pranayama practice helps to bring cooling sensation to your body. At the same time it helps to calm you.

For a lot of us, when we feel like we are overheating, we naturally become overwhelmed as it is not a sensation we enjoy. So combining a cooling sensation with a feeling of calmness is a perfect combo for those times when we are overheating due to hormones, or the environment.

BENEFITS FOR PERIMENOPAUSE:

  • Brings a sensation of coolness to the body for those moments you are overheating

  • Helps to calm the body and mind